Exercise apparatus for exercising

Abstract

An exercise apparatus used for exercise and more specifically musculoskeletal physical therapy and rehabilitation purposes. The exercise apparatus particularly, but not exclusively, uses a combination of weight, a structure adapted for weight training by a person, and a means to suspend the weight wherein the suspended weight is adapted to have motion in the x, y and z axis during an exercise movement that results in increased joint strength and decreased joint pain during and after physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An exercise apparatus for suspending a first and second item of weight, the apparatus comprising:
 (a) an elongate central bar member formed from a first material, the bar member having a left end and a right end; 
 (b) a first outer weight-receiving member secured at the left end of the central bar member; 
 (c) a second outer weight-receiving member secured at the right end of the central bar member, the first and second outer weight-receiving members each comprised of a second material; 
 (d) a first elastic article adapted to be attached to said first outer weight receiving member, said first elastic article suspending the first item of weight therefrom so that it is free to move in the x, y, and z directions; and 
 (e) a second elastic article adapted to be attached to said second outer weight receiving member, said second elastic article suspending the second item of weight therefrom so that it is free to move in the x, y, and z directions. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first material is fiberglass. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second material is wood. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising adhesive fastening the central bar member to the outer weight receiving members. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second material is more flexible in bending than the first material. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said elastic articles are rubber bands. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said items of weight suspended from said elastic articles are free to move in the x, y, and z axis. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said central bar member has a bending strength of between about 25,000 and about 35,000 psi. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said elastic articles are attached through slots formed in said outer weight receiving members, said slots running parallel with said central bar member and said outer weight receiving members. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said elastic articles are elastic bands each about a half inch wide. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said outer weight receiving members are metal springs attached to said central bar member in an orientation where said springs in their resting state are substantially aligned with and in the same plane as said central bar member. 
     
     
       12. An exercise apparatus for suspending a first and second item of weight, the apparatus comprising:
 (a) an elongate central bar member formed from a first material, the bar member having a left end and a right end; 
 (b) a first outer weight-receiving spring member secured at the left end of the central bar member and substantially co-linear therewith; 
 (c) a second outer weight-receiving spring member secured at the right end of the central bar member and substantially co-linear therewith, the first and second outer weight-receiving spring members each comprised of a second material; 
 (d) a first elastic rubber band adapted to be attached to said first outer weight receiving member, said first elastic rubber band suspending the first item of weight therefrom so that the first item of weight hangs freely; and 
 (e) a second elastic rubber band adapted to be attached to said second outer weight receiving member, said second elastic rubber band suspending the second item of weight therefrom so that the second item of weight hangs freely. 
 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said first and second spring members taper in circumference when moving outwardly away from the central bar member. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said first and second spring members have a uniform circumference along its length. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said first and second spring members are comprised of windings of high strength metal. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said items of weight suspended from said elastic rubber bands are free to move in the x, y, and z axis. 
     
     
       17. An exercise apparatus for use with a first and second item of weight comprising:
 (a) an elongate bar member formed from a material having a bending strength between 25,000 and 35,000 psi, the bar member having a left end and a right end; 
 (b) a first elastic article attached to said elongate member at said left end and adapted to hang the first item of weight therefrom; and 
 (c) a second elastic article attached to said elongate member at said right end and adapted to hang the first item of weight therefrom. 
 
     
     
       18. The exercise apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the elongate bar member weighs less than fifteen pounds. 
     
     
       19. The exercise apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the elongate bar member comprises fiberglass.